Prevalence of household food insecurity among a healthy Iranian population: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

BackgroundFood security is a fundamental human right that must be upheld to preserve excellent general welfare, and mental, physical, and social health. However, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report in 2020, the level of food insecurity in the world is increasing.ObjectiveDetermining the prevalence of food insecurity in Iran will be beneficial for Iran and other low-middle-income countries.MethodsWe searched both English and Persian (Iranian) databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SID, Irandoc, Magiran, Civilica, and Iranian Medical Sciences Theses System from 01 January 1990 to 01 February 2022. Observational studies that reported the prevalence of household food insecurity among a healthy Iranian population and assessed food insecurity at the individual or household level using validated questionnaires were included.ResultsOne hundred six studies and/or theses with a total of 152, 300 participants met the review criteria. Our analyses demonstrated that the prevalence of food insecurity among the healthy Iranian population was 55.9% (95% CI: 52.6–59.2%) and the highest prevalence of food insecurity was in the western regions with 64.8% (95% CI: 57.7–72.0%). Subgroup analyses showed that food insecurity among women at 51.3% (95% CI: 45.1–57.6%) and rural inhabitants at 66.1% (95% CI: 58.8–73.4%) was significantly higher than men at 47.8% (95% CI: 41.8–53.8%) and urban residents at 47.1% (95% CI: 44.1–50.0%), respectively. Among the age groups, the highest prevalence of food insecurity was in adults at 56.5% (95% CI: 51.7–61.2%).ConclusionThe prevalence of food insecurity in a healthy Iranian population was higher than the global average. Women, rural residents, and residents of the western regions of Iran had a higher prevalence of food insecurity. These groups should be prioritized in programs to reduce the prevalence of food insecurity in Iran.Systematic review registrationwww.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42022328473.

Household food security status and its associated factors among pensioners in Arba Minch town, South Ethiopia

“…In this study, homes with one or more dependent members (children under the age of 15) had a higher likelihood of experiencing food insecurity than households without children under the age of 15. This result concurred with studies from Tehran, Iran, and the Kanchanpur area in far-western Nepal (22,24). This is mostly because children under the age of 15 are not productive, which would result in increased food insecurity as more people depend on an inadequate income to survive.…”

Outcomes of a homestead food production program on nutritional knowledge, dietary diversity, food security and empowerment of rural women in Tehran province, Iran

“…Food and nutrition insecurity is a major health concern in developing countries [ 1 , 2 ]. Goal Two of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG s ), i.e., “ End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture,” emphasizes improving the food security and nutrition situation [ 3 ].…”

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“…According to studies and reports, rural areas are more vulnerable to food insecurity [ 2 , 4 ]. In Iran, a systematic review indicated that rural inhabitants are more exposed to food insecurity (66.1%) compared to urban areas (47.1%) [ 2 ]. In Dehrashid et al reported a high prevalence of food insecurity (80%) in villages in Iran [ 5 ].…”

Association of healthy eating index and anthropometric indices among primary school girls in southeast of Iran: a cross-sectional study

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